Obituary - Richard Lee 'RL' Grant

Sunday, August 18th, 2024, Richard Lee "RL" Grant, a dearly beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend went to be with his Savior in heaven after complications with an acute illness in Everett WA. He was 66 years old and was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing.

RL Grant was born to Gary and Betty Grant on December 2nd, 1957, in Havre, MT, and was the fourth of five children. He was raised on the north side of Havre across the street from his grandparents, Lee and Doris Grant, and where in 1962 his grandpa and father had purchased a 10 acre farm off the River "Badland" Road next to the Milk River. Years later RL would build a log house on that small farm and raise his own family there.

RL graduated from Havre High School in 1976 and was proud to be a Blue Pony on the gridiron. After high school, RL worked for a local carpenter friend building homes, and in 1979 he met DeAnn Manuel while helping build her father's new home and they were wed on September 20th, 1980, and had three children. He then worked on his father-in-law's farm near Beaver Creek Park for a short time. Afterwards, he worked a number of years for some of the Havre grain elevators where he befriended and served many local area farmers.

He then transitioned to a job at the Montana Department of Transportation where he helped maintain the area's state highways. He took pride in keeping the roads clear during the winter and the streets and highways upkept during the summer, but mostly enjoyed the camaraderie with fellow DOT co-workers, many of whom became dear friends. RL retired from the Montana DOT in 2018 after 25 years of service and began a new chapter of life by filling his time with much travel to visit his children and grandchildren.

In 2023, RL and his bride sold the family farm and moved to Snohomish, WA, where they enjoyed the freedom of RV life and family living on their daughter's property.  

RL's passion was twofold; pouring into his family and working hard. He spent a near lifetime improving and beautifying the family farm nestled in the cottonwood tree-laden Milk River valley. It was there he loved raising farm animals, raising hay, and the most prolific vegetable garden in Havre.

A chip off the ole block, RL started several side hustles throughout his life to make extra money, including picking field stone from farmer's fields and selling them on the West Coast.

Most of all, RL truly loved his family and invested into their lives continually.

Not a man of many personal hobbies, RL enjoyed taking his family on trips to Glacier Park, helping his children with their 4-H animals, supporting his children in their sports, traveling with his wife, and hauling his grandchildren to different national parks every spring break.

Later in life, RL was famously dubbed "Papa Cookie" for years after his oldest grandson discovered RL's cookie stash in his truck. RL was marked by the love his family had for him, his faith in God, and the many who called him friend. Being a third generation "Havreite" RL had an affinity for the Havre community and spent a lifetime making friends there.

RL is survived by his bride of 44 years, DeAnn Manuel Grant; three children, Landen of Spokane WA, wife Carli;  Nikki Smith of Snohomish WA, husband Jay; and Logan of Bozeman MT, wife Erin; brother, Gary "Kim" Grant; sisters Debbie Vandeberg, Sheri Steiner, Lori Kanning; and 12 grandchildren: Hudson Smith, Caleb Grant, Grant Smith, Halle Grant, Lucas Grant, Samuel Grant, Marcus Grant, Ruth Grant, Evan Grant, Clara Grant, Ava Grant, and another grandson arriving in September.

        Friday, August 30th, the family is having a private burial followed by a public memorial service at Firth Ave. Christian Church, 4:00 p.m., for those who knew and loved RL. A memorial reception will follow at the church.